Hazardous Materials - Resources

LINKS FOR RISK GROUP CLASSIFICATION

Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–102 Group 1 Carcinogenic to humans Group 2A Probably carcinogenic to humans Group 2B Possibly carcinogenic to humans Group 3 Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans Group 4 Probably not carcinogenic to humans

ETHIDIUM BROMIDE WASTE DISPOSAL

Ethidium bromide is commonly used in molecular biology laboratories. While it is not
regulated as hazardous waste, the mutagenic properties of this substance may present
a hazard if it is poured down the drain untreated or placed in the trash.

Based on these considerations,the following disposal procedures are recommended for
electrophoresis gels and solutions containing ethidium bromide.

ELECTROPHORESIS GELS: Store in biohazard box for pickup and disposal.

ETHIDIUM BROMIDE SOLUTIONS

* Aqueous solutions containing <5ug/ml ethidium bromide can be released to the drain.
* Aqueous solutions containing >5ug/ml ethidium bromide should be filtered or deactivated
using charcoal filtration. * Solutions containing heavy metals, organics, cyanides or sulfides should be disposed
as hazardous waste.

ACCUMULATION OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

* Large quantity generators, those that produce more than 1000 kilograms per month
have an accumulation time limit of 90 days. This period commences on the first day
of waste generation. * Generators that produce more than 100 kilograms and less than 1000 kilograms per
month have 180 days for accumulation. * Small quantity generators which produce less than 100 kilograms per month have
180 days for removal once the 100 kilogram limit has been met. There is NO accumulation
time limit for generators of not more than 100 kilograms per month that are not using
the satellite accumulation area and who have not yet accumulated 100 kilograms of
hazardous waste.

Note: Stricter requirements may apply if acutely or extremely hazardous waste is generated.

SHIPMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

Certain requirements will be waived if the waste is recycled. Hazardous wastes must
be hauled by transporters licensed by the state. Generators may “self-haul” their
own waste in volumes less than 5 gallons or 50 pounds without being licensed. Facilities
receiving hazardous waste, whether for recycling, treatment or disposal must be licensed
by the state.

When disposing of hazardous waste totaling more than 50 lbs or 5 gallons, at a minimum,
the following procedures must be followed:

1. Use only transporters that are registered with DTSC and have obtained the appropriate
hazardous waste transporter registration number. Use only transfer, treatment, storage
and disposal facilities that have an ID number. 2. Use a California Hazardous Waste Manifest DTSC Form 8022A, unless the receiving
state requires otherwise. A manifest is the paperwork that accompanies hazardous waste
from the point of generation to the point of ultimate treatment, storage, or disposal.
Most registered transporters will provide these forms and provide assistance in filling
out the necessary information on the manifest forms; 3. Obtain the handwritten signature of the initial transporter and the date of acceptance
on the manifest; 4. Keep the generator copy of each manifest for three years or until the signed copy
is returned by the designated facility. 5. Generators of “silver only” hazardous wastes generally will not need to use a
hazardous waste manifest or registered hazardous waste transporter.